New Name for Washington NFL Team Hinges on Trademark Rights (2)

The Washington NFL football team’s ability to lock down trademark rights to a new moniker quickly and effectively will be a major factor in any name change.

The team announced a “thorough review” after sponsors including FedEx Corp., Nike Inc., Walmart, Inc. and PepsiCo Inc. began exerting pressure over continued use of “Redskins,” seen as a disparaging term for American Indians.

The team did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But trademark attorneys said the organization is likely scouring the federal trademark registry and other sources for potential conflicts, and it likely will try to avoid ...